Operational and office management

• Own the day-to-day management and effective operation of the Association.
• Ensure high standards of service for members, volunteers, partners and stakeholders.
• Oversee office management: health & safety, landlord and insurance liaison, communication systems and controlled documents.
• Provide cover for the office team, undertake additional administrative tasks and other duties agreed with the Chair/Co-Chair of the Board.

People and HR

• Line manage the Association's staff:
  • Objective-setting, appraisal, training and development, attendance and holidays.
• Oversee recruitment, contracts, terms and conditions, payroll, pensions and insurances.
• Oversee the Staff Handbook and maintain current awareness of HR and employment law, implementing developments as required.
• Foster a positive, collaborative culture across the office and the wider Association.

Finance and sustainability

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting and performance monitoring.
• Ensure management and statutory accounts are prepared and records maintained appropriately.
• Oversee financial operations: receipt of funds, payment of bills, vouching against bank statements, invoicing and credit control.
• Support income generation; monitor organisational risk and support effective risk management.

Membership

• Oversee membership administration, databases and records.
• Oversee membership satisfaction surveys; review and report results to the Board.
• Work with the Board and office staff to review and revise the membership fee structure.

Education, training and conferences

• Oversee all education activities: resourcing, finance, quality and programme management.
• Oversee the Professional Development Programme, in-house courses, seminars, regional fora and the Online Learning programme.
• Oversee conference and events activity.

Marketing, publications and communications

• Oversee all marketing and promotion of the Association, including of its educational activities.
• Oversee publications: Quasar, website, booklets, digital and social channels.
• Explore and exploit opportunities for RQA exposure in external journals and media.

Intellectual property, data and knowledge

• Ensure the Association's intellectual property is protected, and corporate knowledge is managed effectively.
• Ensure ICO registration and UK GDPR compliance and maintain appropriate data protection documentation.

Stakeholder engagement

• Act as a key representative of the Association with members, partners, government, and national and international bodies.
• Promote the Association's vision, values and objectives; build relationships that enhance its reputation and influence.

Person specification

The Board recognises that no single candidate is likely to bring every element of this job specification. The Association is committed to appointing the right person: where development areas exist, the appointee will be supported to acquire them through mentoring, training and professional advisers (including external company secretarial and accountancy support).

Experience of the not-for-profit sector is not required — candidates from commercial pharmaceutical, biotech, CRO and consulting environments are also equally welcome to apply for this position.

Essential experience

• Leadership in an organisation with a formal corporate governance structure — understanding how an executive works with, reports to and is held accountable by a Board.
• Leading, managing and developing staff and organisational operations, including leading teams through change and rebuilding working relationships and trust.
• Strategic planning and organisational development.
• Working with Boards, committees or volunteer-led structures.

Essential knowledge

• Sound working knowledge of corporate governance and how a well-run company operates (budgets, HR, planning, accountability); detailed company secretarial practice, including Companies Act 2006 duties for companies limited by guarantee, may be developed in role with professional support.
• Financial management and organisational sustainability.
• HR and employment law fundamentals.

Essential skills

• Strong leadership and people management — able to set direction, support and manage the office staff and build a positive, collaborative culture across the Association.
• Strong organisational and project management.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication.
• Ability to build positive relationships with volunteers, members and stakeholders.
• Sound judgement and clear governance advice.
• Managing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

Personal attributes

• Collaborative and approachable.
• High integrity and discretion.
• A quality mindset — committed to excellent governance, doing things through proper process, and continuous improvement.
• Works for the organisation and its members, within the strategic direction set by the Board.

Desirable

• An understanding of Research Quality Assurance and of how QA professionals work — current industry expectations relating to Quality Assurance requirements under Good Laboratory Practice, Good Clinical Practice, Good Manufacturing Practice and the other GxPs that govern pharmaceutical R&D.
• The Board places significant value on a genuine quality mindset and an appreciation of what matters to the membership.
• Experience of a membership organisation, charity, professional body or not-for-profit.
• Governance qualification (e.g. CGI/ICSA) or formal company secretarial experience.
• Experience of income diversification, partnerships or commercial development.

Key relationships

• Board of Directors
• Committees
• Working Parties
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
• Staff
• Members
• Volunteers and supporters
• External partners and stakeholders

Terms and conditions

• Location: flexible within reason. Hybrid working with a regular presence at the Ipswich, Suffolk office (typically around one to two days per week), and a fuller on-site presence during the initial induction and familiarisation period. Exact arrangements to be agreed in the contract.
• Hours: full-time, 37 hours per week.
• Remuneration: competitive salary and benefits package. Annual bonus, subject to performance. Contributory pension scheme.